Grammys Song of the Year vs. Record of the Year: What’s the Difference?

Being nominated for a Grammy in any category is a major feat, but there are some categories that stand above the rest, like Song of the Year, Artist of the Year, Album of the Year and Record of the Year. But just what is the difference between Song of the Year and Record of the Year? The two seem so similar, don't they?

Since the awards show began decades ago, Song of the Year and Record of the Year have been two of the most prestigious categories to be nominated in. The two categories are very different, though it may not seem it on the surface. For years fans have wondered what the key differences are between Song of the Year and Record of the Year, and now we've finally got an answer.

According to the Recording Academy, Song of the Year is focused on the composition of a song. The category recognizes the songwriters behind the song, rather than just the person who sings it and the producers who worked on it. If the singer is the sole song writer on a nominated track, the singer will win the award. If not, the award goes to the person who did write it. Song of the Year is one of a handful of categories at the Grammy Awards that is considered a songwriter's award.

Record of the Year, on the other hand, recognizes the artist, producer and engineer involved in the making of a recording. Anyone who worked on the recording and was properly credited for it will be acknowledged in the winning of the award.

For example, at the 59th Grammy Awards, Record of the Year was won by Adele. She, along with producer Greg Kurstin and eight engineers worked on the record, were acknowledged with the award. When Adele's song "Hello" won Song of the Year at the Grammys, only she and Kurstin were awarded.

This year, the Record of the Year nominees are expansive. The nominees are: